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Webster Elementary a 'Blue Ribbon' school

PLYMOUTH — On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan released the list of 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Webster Elementary in Plymouth was among those receiving the honor.
Only eight schools in Indiana were nominated for the award.
In the past, Webster has been named a Four-Star School twice and was awarded a Title I Student Achievement Award.
Duncan recognized only 269 schools with the award based on the overall academic excellence or for making progress in improving student academic achievement levels.
On November 12-13, 219 public schools and 50 private schools will be recognized in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. According to a press release issued on September 7, in the 30-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools programs has bestowed the award to nearly 7,000 schools.
Duncan said, “Our nation has no greater reasonability than helping all children realize their full potential. He added, “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.” “The program recognizes achievement in two categories. The first is “Exemplary High Performance” in which schools are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by the state’s assessment.
The second is “Exemplary Improving” in which schools that have at least 40 percent of their student population from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate progress in improving.
Webster Principal, Carrie McGuire said, “This is a great honor for our school, including the staff, the students, and their families.” “The people and parents at Webster really do work together to do “whatever it takes” to make sure that children are successful.” she said.
McGuire pointed out that the ISTEP scores of the school do not show an achievement gap between the high risk or low income students that can be seen in some other schools. “McGuire said, “We work hard to make sure that children do well even if they have special needs.”
Plymouth Schools Superintendent Daniel Tyree echoed McGuire’s comments saying, “We see a close relationship between the staff, students and parents. This relationship is based on the school corporation’s mission to do whatever it takes to ensure that students maximize their potential.”
Other Indiana Schools being named to the Blue Ribbon Award list included LaSalle Intermediate Academy in South Bend.